ABSTRACT
Treatment of neck laxity is a challenging problem for facial plastic surgeons. Many
factors may contribute to this problem, including relaxation of the SMAS- platysma
complex, excess submental adipose tissue, loss of skin elasticity, and anatomic factors
such as hyoid position. Patients with heavy tissues in the neck area are more likely
to have disappointing or short-lived results from neck rejuvenation surgery. Placement
of an expanded-polytetrafluoroethylene (Gore-Tex) cervical sling provides additional
support to the soft tissues of the neck, improving both initial and long-term cervical
contours. This method is used in our practice for most patients with heavy neck tissues
undergoing lower facial rejuvenation procedures. The cervical sling is well tolerated
and provides the additional benefit of easy adjustability should the soft tissues
of the neck further relax.
KEYWORD
Heavy neck - facelift - cervical sling
